Here comes the judge? CC native hopes so

Attorney Gordon Murray seeks appointment to county court bench Gordon C. Murray, Sr., 50, is anxiously waiting for word from the Judicial Nominating Committee, to see if he is one of approximately 20 lawyers who have been recommended, after careful examination of his resume and credentials, as a worthy candidate for openings on the County Court bench. Hes already been down this road once before but failed to make the final cut, which incidentally rests with Governor Rick Scott. But he says he remains optimistic that both the Nominating Committee and Scott will this time rule in his favor. This would be my first time officially on the bench but I bring experience as a general magistrate (judge) for the Child Supportive Division and Civil Traffic Court, he said. Both positions were quasi-judicial seats and were for a fixed amount of time. I have always had an interest in and passion for law and was born and raised in Miami-Dade County so I know the issues and concerns. The Carol City High School graduate (1978) was one of the very first Golden Drum Award recipients and attended the University of Miami (UM) on a full scholarship before going on to the UM School of Law. Murray has been a practicing attorney for over 25 years, beginning his career as an assistant state attorney for Monroe and Miami-Dade counties and then establishing a private practice in North Miami in 1993. Murray recently received the Florida Bar Presidents Pro Bono Service Award (2010) in recognition of the hundreds of hours that he has amassed for his pro bono legal work in the community. In addition, in April he was recognized as a living legend by the Miami-Dade Graduate Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He has been a member of the fraternity for close to 30 years. Gordon is one of the hardest-working lawyers brothers I know, a real professional and one who has served the legal community and courts for many years, said Daryl Trawick, 51, a 13-year circuit court judge. He has been a general magistrate twice before and did well in both positions. And he is highly-respected by his peers. But most important, we need more Black representation on the bench. I am one of five Black judges on the circuit court and there are four Black county court judges. Nine simply doesnt adequately reflect the number of Blacks that live in this county. Trawick adds that the appointment of Murray would be a smart move for Scott. bWe need more Black judges so that the community feels they have a voice on the bench someone who can understand and relate to their plight, he said. And then among the judges collectively, having more Black judges helps those who non-Black to gain more clarity and insight as to the Black perspective. By D. Kevin McNeirkmcneir@miamitimesonline.com